Braided Almond-Herb Bread Recipe

I got this recipe from a neighbor, who's a great baker and cook. She had just taken a loaf of this bread out of the oven one day when I stopped by, and it was so fragrant and attractive that I just had to have the recipe!

Nutritional Facts

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; set aside. In large bowl, combine butter, salt and milk. Stir in yeast mixture, 2 cups flour, herbs and 2 tablespoons almonds. Beat until well-mixed. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease dough surface. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down and cut off one-third of dough; set aside. Divide remaining dough into three equal parts, shaping each into a 14-in. rope.

Braid ropes and place on greased baking sheet. Divide set-aside dough into three ropes and braid. Place smaller braid on top of larger braid. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Combine egg and water. Brush over entire loaf; sprinkle with remaining almonds. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes.Yield: 1 loaf.

Originally published as Braided Almond-Herb Bread in Country Extra
November 1990, p45